Labels: 54 40 Or Fight! Records
Review by: Mike Whelan
After hearing the last couple of releases from 54° 40′ or Fight! I thought they were
one of those labels that just puts out the same sort of music all the time, namely
jazzy indie. The Life And Times sound nothing like most of their labelmates though.
Former Shiner vocalist Allen Epley has created a dark and foreboding record on this,
his new bands, debut release. Despite the moody undertones, the songs are still
hook-laden and explosive, with jagged guitars and discordant melodies.
Okay, so not all of the EP is grim, but opener “Raisin in the Sun’ might have been a
little better tucked away as track four or five, as it doesn’t exactly do much to
raise spirits for the forthcoming 20 minutes or so. Fourth track “Movies and Books’
is as close to uplifting as proceedings get, and would have been a little better
suited as an introduction to the EP.
Overall The Flat End of the Earth is a good EP, if not a little morose. This isn’t a
CD you would feel comfortable playing on a bright summer afternoon, and it definitely
isn’t driving music, unless you drive slowly and erratically, but for those seeking a
post-Shiner fix, this could well be the perfect tonic.